emirates visa for children 2026 application, requirements & online process

Emirates Visa for Children: Complete Guide to Application, Requirements & Process (2026)

17-Sep-2025 0 0

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the most visited destinations in the world, thanks to its strong economy, modern infrastructure, vibrant tourism sector, and family-friendly environment. Parents planning to travel with children must understand the Emirates visa requirements for minors to ensure a smooth journey.

This guide explains the types of Emirates visas for children, required documents, application process through Emirates Visa Online, and key rules for minors traveling with or without parents in 2026.


Why Do Children Need a Separate Emirates Visa?

Children below 21 years of age traveling to the UAE require a valid Emirates visa unless they are included in their parent’s passport and visa (applies only for children under 14 years old in specific cases). Since most minors today have their own passports, a child Emirates visa is mandatory and is processed at the same cost as an adult visa.


Types of Emirates Visa for Children

Several categories of visas are available for children traveling to the Emirates:

1. Tourist Visa (Single Entry)

  • Ideal for family vacations.

  • Allows entry into the UAE for up to 30 or 60 days (depending on visa type).

  • Can be extended if needed.

2. Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry) 

  • Suitable for families who may need to exit and re-enter the UAE multiple times.

  • Valid for 30 or 90 days with multiple entries allowed.

3. Emirates Cruise Visa

  • Specifically for children traveling on cruise ships docking at UAE ports.

  • Ensures smooth boarding and disembarkation during cruise itineraries.

4. Emirates Transit Visa

  • Issued for 48 or 96 hours.

  • Ideal for children traveling with parents transiting through the UAE to another destination.


Emirates Visa Rules for Minors 

  • Children under 14 years old: If listed in a parent’s passport, no separate visa is required. A copy of the parent’s passport page showing the child’s details is enough.

  • Children with their own passport (under 21 years old): Must apply for a separate Emirates visa.

  • Visa fees: Same as adult visas, regardless of the child’s age.


How to Apply for an Emirates Visa for Children Online (2026)

Applying through Emirates Visa Online is the fastest and most convenient method. The required documents depend on who the child is traveling with.

Case 1: Child Traveling with Parents (Same Surname)

  • Scanned copy of passport (bio page)

  • Scanned photograph (passport-size)

Case 2: Child Traveling with Parents (Different Surnames)

  • Scanned passport bio page

  • Recent photograph

  • Child’s birth certificate

Case 3: Child Traveling with Relatives (Same Surname)

  • Passport copy

  • Photograph

  • Sometimes a parental consent letter may be requested

Case 4: Child Traveling with Relatives (Different Surname) 

  • Passport bio page copy

  • Photograph

  • Birth certificate

  • Parental consent letter (signed by at least one parent)

Case 5: Child Traveling Without Parents

  • Children cannot apply for an Emirates visa independently.

  • A parent must apply for the visa alongside the child, even if the parent is not traveling.

đŸ‘‰ Note: Emirates Visa Online simplifies the process by eliminating the need for professional translation and notarization of birth certificates or consent letters.


What Does a Child’s Emirates Visa Look Like?

A child’s Emirates visa is an electronic visa (E-Visa), issued in A4 PDF format. It contains:

  • Visa category (tourist, transit, cruise, etc.)

  • Visa validity and entry type (single/multiple)

  • Unique visa number & identification code

  • Child’s full name, date of birth, and nationality

  • Passport details

There is no physical “sticker” visa; the printed E-Visa is presented at immigration and may also be required at airline check-in.


Tips for Parents Applying for a Child’s Emirates Visa

  • Apply at least 7–10 days before travel to avoid last-minute delays.

  • Ensure passport validity of at least 6 months from the date of travel.

  • Keep additional documents (birth certificate, consent letter) handy in case the visa center requests them.

  • For urgent cases, apply for an Express Emirates Visa via Emirates Visa Online (processing in 24–48 hours).

Frequently Asked Questions

International national students moving to UAE for undergraduate studies should give IELTS or TOEFL exam. You must have scored at least more than 60% in your 12th. Some universities in UAE can also ask for a higher than 65%p mark. The undergraduate students also have to give the EmSat exam if they want to take admission in popular and competitive Universities. The EmSat exam that international students have to take for the competitive institution is the computer-based test and it is based on the national educational student of the Emirates. It is the requirement for admission to some UAE Universities. An international student who has scored more than 75% in school in English is exempted from taking the IELTS test. 

Not always, but if the child is traveling with relatives or guardians, immigration authorities may require a parental consent letter.

Yes, the visa fee for children is the same as for adults.

International Student who wants to take admission to good universities must get at least 6 overall in IELTS for the Emirates student visa. Few Universities do accept some applications with between 5.5 to 6 scores in IELTS. The good part is students from India who have completed their studies from the CBSE board or ISC board. Then they do not have to give IELTS exam necessarily if they have scored more than 75% in the English language. 

Dubai is a famous destination among wanderers who love to explore beautiful places. Many businessmen are expanding their company in UAE. With the expansion of the trade market, a lot of opportunities in the UAE for expatriates, and opportunities for freelancers to work without sponsors. Dubai is also the educational hub for international students looking forward to higher education in the field of a different subject. Students should apply for a student visa only if they are interested in studying in the United Arab Emirates. Eligible students can only apply for the Emirates student visa. An international student coming to Dubai can study in the reputed institution and take admission in law institution, medical institution, engineering institution, business institution, media institution, marketing institution, science institution, etc.

An international student who is not in the United Arab Emirates has to come to the country first. Therefore will need the entry permit for a student visa to enter UAE. You can apply for an entry permit through ICA online website or the GDRFA website. Your institution or college can also sponsor your entry permit for UAE. After the foreign nationals enter UAE with entry permits for study purposes. Then the college or university of the particular Foreign student must take care of the Emirates student residency visa.

Every student wants to study at the best university for better job opportunities and better education. The total academic fee, tuition fee, and admission charge in the United Arab Emirates are way less than in other countries like Europe, the United States, the United Kingdom, etc. The United Arab Emirates is no doubt will be the safest place for international students as well as they can take benefit of the well-established education system. International students studying in UAE can get a bright career option. The quality of education and modern infrastructure of the universities in UAE is the other reason. The cost of living, rental cost, etc are less expensive and affordable for international students in UAE. 

Anyone who is planning to sponsor the dependent which can be their spouse, children, or family has to meet a certain requirement. One must have an income of a minimum of AED 4,000 to sponsor their dependent. Students studying in UAE can only sponsor the dependent if they can meet the financial status. 

If you are not a resident of the United Arab Emirates. Then first of the important thing student must do is the proper and thorough research. International students should search for the college and institution according to their course, opportunities, location, budget, and level of study. Select the university which is suitable for you and meets all your educational needs. Based on the need of your Universities you should prepare for the entrance exam, test, or IELTS. The next important document you must prepare for is a financial document. You must also finance your studies or take a loan for education fees, living expenses, etc. Complete the admission process and requirements of the University and apply to the university. After receiving an admission offer letter from the University, an international student should pay the 1-year tuition fee and get a student visa in UAE.

Yes, the only outstanding and excellent students can are eligible for the new five-year Emirates student residency visa. The good part is students can easily search for jobs and employment in UAE. A student wanting to apply for the Emirates 5 year student visa must pass out of school with more than 95%. Students who have completed their graduation must have scored at least a 3.75 GPA from their relevant University. And you can also sponsor the dependent easily with 5-year student visa. 

You must have an undergraduate degree of three years course to take admission to UAE University for post-graduate education. A percentage of 60% and above 60% is accepted in undergraduate Degree for claiming post-graduate education. You will also need IELTS or you can also show your TOEFL certificate. For MBA students, international students must have at least three to four years of working experience in their relevant field. 

The student visa in the United Arab Emirates is used by those foreign nationals who will study at the qualified and recognized university in the country. Any prospective student from a foreign country seeking out to study and get qualified from the university in the United Arab Emirates should take a permit for taking admission in the country legally. Anyhow, students from foreign countries must complete all the requirements. 

No, there is no policy regarding the cancellation of Emirates student visas for a short visit outside the country. You can travel outside the United Arab Emirates but only for less than 6 months. Although, students who have not returned to the United Arab Emirates continuously for a 6-month long period. Then their student visa would not be considered valid and students may not enter UAE until they get a new visa. 

In such cases, a birth certificate is mandatory to prove the relationship.

The overall cost for an Emirates student visa for Indians can be around AED 7500. The application process fee for the Emirates student visa is between AED 2300 to AED 2700. You would have to take a medical test which is the required document and it will cost AED 1300 or AED 1400. If your institution or university in UAE asks for a visa refund then you may have to pay between AED 2500 to AED 3000. Students from India while taking admission in the United Arab Emirates have to pay the University admission fee that can range between AED 250 to AED 1000. 

Yes, tourist visas can typically be extended for an additional 30 days by applying online.

The cost of education in the United Arab Emirates for the international student will differ according to the university, course, place, as well as level of study. If you are looking forward to residing and studying in Dubai, then the expected cost of education can be between AED 37,500 to AED 70, 000 yearly. For studying master, Ph.D., or Post graduate education in UAE you have to spend between AED 55, 000 to AED 75, 000 every year. International students should contact their University in UAE to know about the scholarship program they can participate in. Other expenses should be included for general living costs, staying, etc. The tuition fee I'm UAE for an international student depends on the credit hours one takes. 

An international student wanting to study in UAE have to fulfill all the requirement for an Emirates student visa. You will need a valid national passport for Emirates student visa with a few copies for submission. You may need around 10 to 12 copies of your passport size photograph for your student permit application. Acceptance letter or admission letter from any recognized university in the United Arab Emirates. Educational certificate of your highest education. For a post-graduation course, one should submit an undergraduate educational certificate. English test score or IELTS score. You will need the sponsor can be a parent or institution itself, who will fill and submit your Emirates student visa application. Evidence for sufficient funds that should cover the tuition fee and other expenses as well. Accommodation proof, recommendation letter, Travel insurance, and medical certificate from government recognized UAE health center. International students should also undergo HIV tests, TB, hepatitis, Syphilis as well as should take the medical test for leprosy. 

No, nationals of GCC countries who want to study in the United Arab Emirates do not have to get an Emirates student visa. GCC nationals can start living and studying in the United Arab Emirates after being accepted by the university or institution. 

Yes, an international student who is or above 18 years of age can only apply for the Emirates student visa. Men staying in UAE on a family visa will not be allowed to study in the country without a student visa after attaining the age of 18 years. Males over the age of 18 are eligible to apply for an Emirates student visa. Females who are in the UAE on a family visa and desire to continue their studies can do so directly under their parent's sponsorship. 

The known and accredited Universities in the United Arab Emirates have to apply for their students. Students from foreign countries can only get UAE student visas if they have been accepted by the institution or university in the country. The university or institution carries out all the processes of Emirates student visa from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. Students have to be there inside UAE during the issuance of student visas. After your institution will send the filled application for an Emirates student visa with all the attached documents. After the processing and approval from GDRFA will attach the residence visa to your passport. The student will also get Emirates ID whose validity stays the same as the residence visa. International students may not be able to study in UAE if the immigration authorities do not accept their student visas. The decision does not lie upon the university but depends on UAE immigration authorities.

The Emirates student visa will stay valid for 12 months from the issued date. After the end of the Emirates student visa validity, one has to renew it. A foreign student who has been outside the country for a continuous 6 months may have to face some problems. The Emirates student visa may get canceled in this case and you may have to re-apply. And Students have to cancel their first student residence visa before applying for a new one. The sponsor of your student visa has to inform the UAE immigration department authorities.

The processing time of the Emirates student visa can be between 2 to 3 weeks. Sometimes, you may have to wait for 4 weeks for Emirates student visa approval. Students should send applications to the selected Universities they want to join in advance. Apply to the selected University according to its timeline. And meet all the terms and conditions of the university to get admission and a student visa for UAE. 

No, children cannot apply for a visa independently. At least one parent must apply for the visa on their behalf.

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